Veterinary Medicine in Crisis? Discover the Club That’s Bringing It Back to Life!

In the current climate, veterinary medicine faces unprecedented challenges—from skyrocketing supply costs to a critical shortage of veterinarians, all while the demand for care reaches new heights. The industry is grappling with issues that go beyond financials, touching on the well-being of practitioners and the sustainability of their businesses. But there is hope on the horizon: Club 250, a new initiative born from a collaboration of some of the most seasoned and innovative minds in veterinary business across the US and Canada, is here to resuscitate the industry.

Club 250 is not just another group of advisors; it’s a lifeline for veterinary practices on the brink. The group approaches the health of veterinary practices with the same methodical precision that veterinarians use when treating their patients. Just as veterinarians rely on the SOAP method—Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan—to diagnose and treat animals, Club 250 uses a similar framework to diagnose the health of a veterinary business and craft a personalized treatment plan.

The day-long course offered by Club 250 is divided into four key sessions, each aligning with a step in the SOAP process:

1.     Subjective: This fireside talk delves into the intangible, subjective aspects of practice management that are often overlooked. The session focuses on the importance of culture, ethos, and the emotional intelligence of the team. By fostering a positive workplace culture, honing leadership styles, and nurturing team dynamics, practices can lay the groundwork for long-term success. The experts guide participants through the nuances of creating a work environment where everyone thrives, from the reception desk to the surgical suite.

2.     Objective: Shifting gears, this session focuses on the hard data—the vital signs of a veterinary practice. Here, participants will learn to monitor and analyze key financial metrics that are critical to understanding the health of their practice. Just as veterinarians check vital signs, practice owners will be guided through the essential numbers, such as Profit & Loss statements and Balance Sheets. Additionally, this session covers the importance of staying ahead of market trends, understanding fair market value rent, and leveraging technological advancements to streamline operations.

3.     Assessment: The heart of the course, this workshop session, marries the subjective with the objective. Participants will synthesize the insights from the first two sessions to assess the overall value of their practice. They will explore valuation methodologies, considering both tangible and intangible assets, and how market positioning can influence practice worth. The session culminates in a hands-on exercise where participants will perform their own valuation on an imaginary practice and pitch it to a group of fictional investors—giving them the confidence to understand and articulate their practice's value in real-world scenarios.

4.     Plan: Finally, the course wraps up with a strategic planning session, where participants learn how to take the assessments and turn them into actionable strategies. This session focuses on creating a sustainable, long-term plan for enhancing practice value. Topics include innovative business models, staff development plans, customer service excellence, and effective marketing strategies. Participants will leave with a toolkit of ideas and strategies they can immediately implement in their practices, ensuring they are not just surviving, but thriving.

Meet the Minds Behind Club 250

The brains behind Club 250 are a group of trailblazers in the veterinary industry, each bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for revitalizing veterinary practices.

·       Dr. Mark de Wolde, DVM MRCVS: With over three decades of experience, Dr. de Wolde has worn many hats in veterinary practice, financial advisory, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and design-build projects. A co-founder of myVETgroup, he has been a driving force in the management and operational efficiency of veterinary practices across Canada and beyond.

·       Sam Feder: As the Co-Founder and CEO of Royal Vet, Sam Feder has revolutionized the way veterinary practices operate with his "staff-first" approach. His background in professional hockey and management consulting brings a fresh perspective to the industry, focusing on innovation and employee well-being.

·       Dr. Leon Freeland: With over 35 years in the field, Dr. Freeland is a veteran of veterinary leadership. His experience ranges from emergency care to owning and operating his own practice. He is passionate about developing veterinarians' leadership skills and helping them transition to new goals.

·       Shannon Gervais: A dynamic professional with a background in veterinary nursing, pharmaceutical sales, and business management, Shannon now leads The Veterinary Loop. She focuses on operations, business development, and change management, with an emphasis on an employee-first approach.

·       David Hall: A marketing powerhouse, David Hall of GeniusVets has been recognized as a "Top 100 Marketing and Advertising Influencer" and has authored eight books on Search Engine Optimization. His expertise in digital marketing and business growth strategies is invaluable to veterinary practices looking to expand their reach.

·       Peter Kilkelly:  As Chief Development Officer for Terravet Real Estate Solutions, Peter brings two decades of experience in veterinary financial health. His expertise in practice and real estate acquisitions and accounting and tax compliance has helped countless veterinary practice owners improve their financial standing and plan for the future.

·       Dr. Jill Lopez: An award-winning veterinary professional and founder of Vet Candy, Dr. Lopez has revolutionized the industry by merging business acumen with veterinary care. Her innovative lifestyle platform has become a go-to resource for veterinary professionals, offering cutting-edge insights and strategies that drive success and growth within the profession.

·       Terry O’Neil: A partner at Katz, Sapper & Miller and co-leader of the firm’s Veterinary Services Group, Terry has over 34 years of experience helping veterinary hospitals grow. His expertise in financial benchmarking, profit improvement, and succession planning has made him a trusted advisor to many in the industry.

·       Raj Raheja: Co-founder and CEO of myVETgroup, Raj Raheja brings 16+ years of experience in healthcare and private equity M&A. His track record of successful transactions and business growth strategies has made him a key player in the veterinary industry.

Join Club 250 at AAHA CON 2024

Club 250 will make its debut at AAHA CON 2024 on September 12th in National Harbor, Maryland. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best and gain the tools you need to assess, treat, and revitalize your practice. With the insights and strategies provided by Club 250, you can ensure your veterinary practice is not just surviving the challenges ahead but thriving for years to come. Check it out here: https://www.aaha.org/events/aaha-con/